EVALUATION OF SELENIUM-MOBILIZING MICROBES FROM SELENIFEROUS SOILS OF PUNJAB, INDIA, FOR ENHANCING DROUGHT TOLERANCE IN RICE

Abstract

This study assessed selenium distribution in seleniferous soils of northwestern Punjab, India, and evaluated native selenium-mobilizing microbes for enhancing drought tolerance in rice. Four efficient selenium mobilizing microbial isolates were selected based on their solubilization efficiency. A pot experiment (kharif 2023–2024) was conducted to assess their performance under moisture stress. Inoculation with selenium-mobilizing microbes along with Se (20 g ha⁻¹) significantly improved plant growth, physiology, nutrient status, and yield. The best treatment showed the highest soil water content 78.87% and 84.60%, respectively under both stressed and non stressed conditions. The treatment also produced highest grain yield of 22.90 g plant-1 in non stressed and 16.53 g plant-1 in stressed condition corresponding to a minimum reduction of 27.81% due to moisture stress, comparing 41.58% recorded under control.